Non-Celtics preseason stuff

Kliq

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He wouldn't have made The Finals because Davis would have sat out the back half of the season until he was traded to a major market team. Davis is an awesome player, but he had an All-Star guard in New Orleans and some other solid role players and didn't do a whole heck of a lot with them.
 

The Social Chair

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This was the part of the article that hurt to read.

BACK IN 2015,
NBA journeyman center Kendrick Perkins landed in New Orleans, where he would play one season alongside Davis on the Pelicans. On the road, the two would frequently break bread together, and their dinner conversations would often turn toward James, whom Perkins had played with on the AAU circuit as a teenager. They were also teammates in Cleveland during James' second stint with the Cavs. During those dinners, Perkins would gush about the four-time MVP's focus and preparation.

"I used to brag about Bron a lot with him," Perkins says. "He really didn't have to ask me [about James]. I was doing more of the talking."

In the summer of 2018, when word got out that Davis could be looking for a new agent, it was Perkins who introduced Davis to Klutch Sports.
 

Sam Ray Not

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Stephen Curry in 43 preseason minutes: 58 points on 30 fga, 8 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl, +37 net on-off.

He's still pretty good. Just worried about how he'll hold up physically to his crazy usage with Klay out. If he can stay healthy (knocking wood furiously) it should be wicked fun to watch.

In other Warriors news, DLo looked a lot more comfortable tonight (16 pts, 5 ast); Jordan Poole looks like an NBA player; and Marquese Chriss' impressive play may have won him a roster spot (certainly over Ky Bowman if he'll take a two-way deal, and possibly over Alfonzo McKinnie, whose contract is not guaranteed).
 
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nighthob

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Seriously though, it seems like Kyrie is going to have a tough go of it in Brooklyn this season particularly with Durant out.
It's really too bad that Boston couldn't have dealt Irving to the Nets at the deadline last winter for Crabbe and an unprotected 2020 #1. The extra lottery pick would come in handy. ;)
 

Imbricus

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The crowd was more lively last night than at almost any game during the Anthony Davis era. Davis is a great player but he does not have the star quality of Zion.
The Pelicans may have been the biggest winners of the off season, getting Zion and the young players from the Lakers and a bunch of first-round draft picks. I'd be excited if I were a New Orleans fan.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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The Pelicans may have been the biggest winners of the off season, getting Zion and the young players from the Lakers and a bunch of first-round draft picks. I'd be excited if I were a New Orleans fan.
Agreed and I think that they are the clear leader for "League Pass Team" to start the season. The guy is electric and Griffin did a fantastic job building a roster around him.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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lovegtm

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Yeah, this is why I thought that they could have been interested in a Smart-Tatum package if LAL hadn't come in with a godfather offer. The fit with their existing pieces around Zion was quite good. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them in the playoffs this year (they'd be in easily in the East imo).
 

benhogan

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Miami starting Bam Adebayo and Myers Leonard together. Why are so many EC teams going with double BIGs, I thought the trend was smaller?

Also Herro with 14pts in the first 7 minutes
 

benhogan

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Miami grabbed Herro at 13 right?
Yep, Herro at #13

PJ Washington (my binky) was #12

Herro and his short arms seem to fit right into today's NBA.

It does appear that Romeo won't be a top 13 roster player and will not dress. Maine here we come.
 

lovegtm

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Yep, Herro at #13

PJ Washington (my binky) was #12

Herro and his short arms seem to fit right into today's NBA.

It does appear that Romeo won't be a top 13 roster player and will not dress. Maine here we come.
I've heard rumors that the Celtics had given Herro a promise at 14, so it's too bad they didn't get him. At the same time, even if Langford were totally ready now, there just aren't minutes at the 2-4 (barring injury). It's about as good a situation as he could have ended up in given his shot issues and need to work on them.
 

Big John

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On draft night I wanted Doumbouya, but I think Langford will be fine. He could be Tyreke Evans 2.0, and Evans is a player that Ainge has always liked (if you believe the rumors).
 

Smokey Joe

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I am struggling to figure out how the Wizards benefit from this. He got the max, no discount. He doesn’t hit free agency until 2022-2023 (his choice), but it’s pretty clear these days that if a player says “trade me”, the team is going to trade them, so this isn’t a huge advantage. And now they can’t trade him during the time when he is most likely to get the greatest return.
Color me confused.
 

Tony C

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I've heard rumors that the Celtics had given Herro a promise at 14, so it's too bad they didn't get him. At the same time, even if Langford were totally ready now, there just aren't minutes at the 2-4 (barring injury). It's about as good a situation as he could have ended up in given his shot issues and need to work on them.
I've never understood the premise of a "promise" -- what is the value gained. It doesn't make it more likely the guy will be there but, if word leaks (and agents have incentive to leak it), then it let's other teams know they can't wait on a guy or that they have to trade up to get him.

The Pats seem to have the right idea -- seems a constant theme to hear from their picks that they had no idea the Pats had interest. Isn't it logical to hide interest rather than reveal it?

(Not saying the Heat picked Herro because of this, just a generic point)
 

benhogan

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I've never understood the premise of a "promise" -- what is the value gained. It doesn't make it more likely the guy will be there but, if word leaks (and agents have incentive to leak it), then it let's other teams know they can't wait on a guy or that they have to trade up to get him.

The Pats seem to have the right idea -- seems a constant theme to hear from their picks that they had no idea the Pats had interest. Isn't it logical to hide interest rather than reveal it?

(Not saying the Heat picked Herro because of this, just a generic point)
agree with your general point.

The only thing I can come up with is Danny would want him to skip workouts for other teams. BUT anything Belichick/Pats do should be copied by other pro sports teams.
 

moondog80

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agree with your general point.

The only thing I can come up with is Danny would want him to skip workouts for other teams. BUT anything Belichick/Pats do should be copied by other pro sports teams.
Yes, that is the idea. Somewhat famously, the Suns made a promise to Josh Jackson and convinced him to cancel a workout for the Celtics, while Ainge and Co. were in mid-air to see him, just days before the draft. It worked out awesome for them.
 

lexrageorge

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agree with your general point.

The only thing I can come up with is Danny would want him to skip workouts for other teams. BUT anything Belichick/Pats do should be copied by other pro sports teams.
I don't know exactly how it works. But it could be a situation where Danny wants to maintain a positive relationship with the agents that do influence where draft prospects work out. It's in the Celtics interest to get a look at as many players as they can during pre-draft workouts. If a player comes in and truly wows them, Ainge makes the promise that the player will not slip past them. Makes both the player and agent happy. The NBA is different in many ways from the NFL, so these relationships could actually matter. Recall that Josh Jackson's agent steered his client away from the Celtics (thank you agent!).

It's obviously important for Ainge to be prudent with these promises in the event that a highly touted player drops unexpectedly.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

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I am struggling to figure out how the Wizards benefit from this. He got the max, no discount. He doesn’t hit free agency until 2022-2023 (his choice), but it’s pretty clear these days that if a player says “trade me”, the team is going to trade them, so this isn’t a huge advantage. And now they can’t trade him during the time when he is most likely to get the greatest return.
Color me confused.
'Zards need Beal to have a chance at competing. AFAIK, ownership doesn't want to take the chance of full rebuild and have the arena go empty. They offered Beal a full max extension weeks ago and are simply escactic that he took them up on a multi-year offer.

Here's one writer's version on why this is great for WAS. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2019/10/17/20918855/bradley-beal-extension-washington-wizards-max-contract-free-agency

It also apparently shows that Beal feels some responsibility to the organization and developing a winner. Also, he might want to give playing with John Wall one more chance. Former Wiz' beatwriter had this to say:

Bradley Beal's decision to re-up with the Wizards is surprising if you haven't spent any time with him. Been taking ownership of his responsibilities to the organization from Day One. Fully committed to seeing what he started through to completion. Wasn't looking to bail

Brad's willingness to endure what will be a difficult rebuilding year also shows how much he wants to play again with John Wall, who will miss the season but told me, "Me & Brad are brothers...I feel like we need one more shot. We need one more run at it"

View: https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/1184822227423973377
 

nighthob

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Yes, that is the idea. Somewhat famously, the Suns made a promise to Josh Jackson and convinced him to cancel a workout for the Celtics, while Ainge and Co. were in mid-air to see him, just days before the draft. It worked out awesome for them.
It was always going to as Jackson was the backup plan if the Lakers came to their senses and drafted Tatum.
 

The Social Chair

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The Pelicans are known for having the worst training staff in the NBA. Griffin's plan will be all for naught if he doesn't get ownership to invest there.
 

BigSoxFan

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The Pelicans are known for having the worst training staff in the NBA. Griffin's plan will be all for naught if he doesn't get ownership to invest there.
Worst start of season ever. China debacle and now most exciting rookie since LeBron is out several weeks.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Supposedly Danny promised Herro the 14th spot but Miami grabbed him at 12.
Impossible since the conditions for a "promise" are that a player shuts down his workouts so other teams drafting in front of you, or teams looking to trade up ahead of you, cannot get a first hand look at the player.

Herro's workout with Boston was June 4th, others worked him out after that date including Miami two weeks later.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Zion out “period of weeks” with knee injury. Ugh!
Get used to these type of headlines. I've got this kid being a walking Oden injury waiting to happen and (for wagering thread) two small ROY tickets on longshots Tyler Herro and Michael Porter Jr.
 

Kliq

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Get used to these type of headlines. I've got this kid being a walking Oden injury waiting to happen and (for wagering thread) two small ROY tickets on longshots Tyler Herro and Michael Porter Jr.
Yeah I think even if Zion is a beast he may not play more than 50 games because New Orleans will be super-duper cautious with bringing him along.

Herro and Porter are good picks because I think if there isn’t a standout statistical candidate, the voters will gravitate towards a player who played well on a playoff team.

I like Coby White as a dark horse. He’ll get a chance to play and if his shot is for real he could gain momentum if Chicago is a playoff team.
 

benhogan

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Get used to these type of headlines. I've got this kid being a walking Oden injury waiting to happen and (for wagering thread) two small ROY tickets on longshots Tyler Herro and Michael Porter Jr.
Herro is very interesting.
Porter Jr just won't get the minutes on Denver to put up the counting numbers that are so important to winning ROY. PLUS he's in the injury waiting to happen camp.

Probably can get some sweet longshot odds on Carsen Edwards pulling a Malcolm Brogdon ROY

Does playoff/team success matter for the ROY candidates? Not one guy on 1st team all-rookie team played in the playoffs last season

I'd look at PJ Washington (plus 10,000) as a longshot that will get PT/rope for a crappy team
 
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HomeRunBaker

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Yeah I think even if Zion is a beast he may not play more than 50 games because New Orleans will be super-duper cautious with bringing him along.

Herro and Porter are good picks because I think if there isn’t a standout statistical candidate, the voters will gravitate towards a player who played well on a playoff team.

I like Coby White as a dark horse. He’ll get a chance to play and if his shot is for real he could gain momentum if Chicago is a playoff team.
I loved White on draft night but I hate any PG who is sharing the floor with Zach LaVine. On top of that they signed Satoransky and still have Dunn there so even with injuries he's either getting limited minutes or on the floor with LaVine. If Denver has an injury to one of their forwards then Porter could see himself in a significant role on a 50+ win team so a rookie breakout year would really get noticed.....it's a longshot but a flier on a 25-1 shot. I got Herro at 55-1 awhile ago too after he looked real good in the summer thinking a Butler injury could open up major minutes for him.
 

Big John

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Why is anyone surprised that Zion has knee problems? In his case, "load management" has a somewhat different meaning.
 

lovegtm

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Just saw that Porzingis measured 7-3 in socks, less than an inch shorter than Boban, and only 2 inches shorter than Tacko. Ridiculous.
 

lovegtm

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Weird from Toronto's point of view: why not offer him the 5-year max and get another year of team control? I guess maybe he didn't want it, but usually guys don't turn those down. And for the team: if you're going to go 4 years anyway, why not wait until RFA if he won't take the 5-year? You won't have any hurt feelings if you've offered him a 5-year max.